CARICOM has thrown its support behind a United Nations resolution aimed at restoring peace in Haiti.
The UN Security Council Resolution for a UN Support Office and Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, co-written by Panama and the United States, was adopted by 12 supporting votes. There were abstentions from abstentions from China, Pakistan, and Russia.
Barbados’ permanent representative to the UN, François Jackman, speaking on behalf of CARICOM, welcomed the initiative as well as the setting up of a satellite office in Haiti to provide the logistical and administrative support.
“Finally, we underscore the need to ensure sustainable, predictable resourcing of the Gang Suppression Force by all international partners and we also renew our call for the urgent capitalisation of the 2025 humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti,” he said in a statement.
“Only through urgent, collective action in the security domain, in support of Haiti, can the scourge of gang violence be arrested. This is a critical first step towards creating favourable conditions for elections, sustained delivery of humanitarian support and relief, the rebuilding of institutions and the laying of the foundation for the long-term economic development of Haiti.”
Under the 12-month initiative, the GSF will work closely with the Haitian National Police and the Haitian armed forces to conduct intelligence-led operations to neutralise gangs, provide security for critical infrastructure, and support humanitarian access. The force will comprise 5 550 to protect vulnerable groups, support reintegration of former fighters and help strengthen Haitian institutions.
Jackman said CARICOM not only reaffirmed its solidarity with Haiti, but “openness and willingness to work with all members of the Security Council to provide the necessary support for the Haitian people”.
A Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorised by the Security Council in October 2023, has been hampered by chronic underfunding, insufficient personnel, and limited operational capacity, making it difficult to contain gangs that now control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Almost 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced as a result of the internal conflict, marked by kidnapping, sexual violence and gang activity. (PR/SAT)
